Pakistan has issued more than 6,500 visas to Sij Indian pilgrims for the next Baisakhi festival, the high Pakistani commission in New Delhi said Monday.
The spring hunter festival, held mainly in Punjab and northern India, marks the beginning of the SIJ New Year and symbolizes spiritual renewal.
The celebrations will focus on Gurdwara Panja Sahib in Hasan Abdal, located approximately 45 kilometers northwest of Islamabad. Pilgrims are also expected to visit other important sites, including Gurdwara Nankana Sahib and Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib during the visit from April 10 to 19.
“The large number of visas issued by the Pakistan government is a manifestation of our policy to foster harmony and promote understanding between peoples, cultures and religions,” said Pakistan’s charged in New Delhi, as cited in the official statement.
“Pakistan would continue to facilitate such visits to sacred and sacred sites,” added the official.
The Panja Sahib sanctuary is venerated by a rock that is believed to have the footprint of Guru Nanak, the founder of Sijismo. Baisakhi also commemorates Khalsa’s formation by Guru Gobind Singh, the tenth Guru Sij, which represents spiritual awakening and commitment.
Sij Indian pilgrims travel regularly to Pakistan for religious observances under the Pakistan-Indian protocol of 1974 in visits to religious sanctuaries.
